Apparatus and method for locking a gun

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for locking a gun. The apparatus includes a dummy round configured for insertion into a firing chamber of a gun, a locking component configured for coupling with the dummy round, and an elongated sleeve rotatably coupled with the locking component. The locking component includes a keyed head positioned within a longitudinal channel of the elongated sleeve. The locking component and elongated sleeve are insertable through the discharge end of a gun&#39;s barrel. An actuating mechanism, such as a key is insertable through the channel of the elongated sleeve to engage with the keyed head and rotate the locking mechanism relative to the elongated sleeve. Rotation of the locking mechanism effects a friction lock between the locking mechanism and the dummy round.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/472,427, filed Dec. 27, 1999, pending.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a lock for various gun configurations,including semi-automatics, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, and the like. Ithas long been desirable to provide a lock to avoid the unauthorized oraccidental actuation of guns, thereby preventing injury to children andothers.

[0004] 2. State of the Art

[0005] A wide variety of gun locks is available, including a triggerlock which is installed between the trigger and the trigger guard toprevent actuation of the trigger by an unauthorized individual. Suchtrigger locks require the use of a conventional key and lock body tolock the trigger lock in the space between the guard and the trigger andencapsulate the trigger and trigger guard.

[0006] Unfortunately, such trigger locks can be displaced from thelocking position by breaking the trigger guard, which is a relativelyfragile component of the gun. Moreover, such trigger locks are difficultto install properly and can frequently be displaced from the spacebetween the trigger and the trigger guard; and a live round can bepresent in the firing chamber which can discharge upon dropping the gun.

[0007] Gun locks having elongated key shanks with key bits formedintegrally therewith engagable with keyways in a dummy round are alsoavailable. Such a conventional lock engages the outer extremity of thebarrel of the gun and locks the dummy round against removal. This is arelatively expensive mechanism which is subject to dislodgment of thelock engaged with the outer end of the barrel and the consequent releaseof the dummy round.

[0008] Additionally, such conventional locks may often be easily removedby an unauthorized user without the requisite key. The removal of such alock, depending on the specific configuration thereof, may beaccomplished by picking the lock, or by some other manipulation. Suchtampering with a gun lock may even include actions which leave the locksubsequently inoperable as well as potentially damaging the gun therebyrendering the gun a hazard to anyone who uses it regardless of theirskill or ability.

[0009] It would be advantageous to provide a gun lock which reduced thelikelihood, and potentially eliminated the possibility, of the gun lockbeing disabled and removed by tampering. It would further beadvantageous to provide a gun lock which is simple to actuate by theintended user and which is configured so as to not damage the chamber orbarrel of the gun. Additionally, it would be advantageous to provide agun lock which is easily adaptable to different styles andconfigurations of guns.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the invention an apparatus forlocking a gun is provided. The apparatus includes a dummy roundinsertable into the firing chamber of the gun. A locking component isinsertable through the discharge end of a barrel of the gun, commonlyreferred to as the muzzle, and threadedly engagable with the dummyround. The locking component includes a keyed head which is configuredfor engagement with an actuating tool. An elongated sleeve, having alongitudinal channel formed therein, is rotatably coupled with thelocking component such that the keyed head is positioned within thelongitudinal channel. Thus, the apparatus is configured to receive anactuating tool, such as a key, through the channel of the elongatedsleeve for engagement with, and actuation of the locking component.Actuation of the locking component includes rotation of the lockingcomponent independent of the elongated sleeve to effect a friction lockbetween the locking component and the dummy round.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, anotherapparatus for locking a gun is provided. The apparatus includes a dummyround insertable into a firing chamber of the gun, the dummy roundincluding a first set of threads associated therewith. A lockingcomponent, insertable through the discharge end of the gun's barrel,includes a second set of threads which are configured to cooperativelymate with the first set of threads. The locking component also includesa keyed head for engagement with an actuating tool such as a key.

[0012] A deformable material may be placed between the first set andsecond set of threads to increase friction therebetween.

[0013] An elongated sleeve having a longitudinal channel formed thereinis rotatably coupled with the locking component such that the keyed headis positioned within the longitudinal channel. A flange is formed at oneend of the elongated sleeve and is configured to abut the externalsurface of the discharge end of the gun's barrel.

[0014] At least one friction reducing washer disposed between thelocking component and the elongated sleeve so as to reduce or eliminatethe transfer of torque between the two components during the rotation ofone relative to the other.

[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method isprovided for locking a gun. The method includes inserting a dummy roundinto the firing chamber of a gun. A locking component is provided whichis rotatably coupled to an elongated sleeve. The locking component andelongated sleeve are inserted into the barrel of the gun from thedischarge end. The locking component is actuated by rotating the lockingcomponent independent of the elongated sleeve to effect a friction lockbetween the locking component and the dummy round.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following detailed description and uponreference to the drawings in which:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a view showing the components of the gun lock with thekey and a keyactuated locking component of the gun lock prior toinstallation in a semil 5 automatic gun;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing all of the componentsof the gun lock installed in a semi-automatic gun;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a view showing an alternative embodiment of the gun lockprior to the actuation of said embodiment in a revolver;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a view showing the location of the components of the gunlock of FIG. 3 after actuation of the gun lock to lock the associatedrevolver gun;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a view of the pin-lock configuration taken on the line5-5 of FIG. 3;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a view showing the components of an alternativeembodiment of the gun lock prior to the installation thereof in a gun;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a view showing the components of the gun lock of FIG. 6installed in a gun;

[0024]FIG. 8 is a view showing the arrangement of the components afterthey have been locked in a gun;

[0025]FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the gun lock according to anembodiment of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the gun lock shown inFIG. 9;

[0027]FIGS. 11A and 11B show an exemplary tamper proof keyed head usedin conjunction with the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of another a dummy round used inconjunction with breaking guns in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention;

[0029]FIGS. 13A and 13B show additional features, including barrellength adjustment, which may be incorporated with various embodiments ofthe present invention; and

[0030]FIGS. 14A through 14C show various views of an additionalembodiment according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1-2 thereof,I show a gun lock 10 consisting of a key 12 and a dummy round 14 havinga locking component 16 engagable within the barrel 18 of asemi-automatic gun 20.

[0032] The gun lock 10 is shown in operative relationship with the gun20 in FIG. 2. The dummy round 14 has a step 26 which prevents rotationby being engaged by the ejector tab 28 of the gun to provideanti-rotation means for the dummy round 14. The rotatable lockingcomponent 16 includes an extension 32 threadedly engagable at 34 withthe dummy round 14.

[0033] A pin keyway 36 is provided in the locking component 16 for thereception of a corresponding pin key bit 38 which is provided on theextremity of a key shank 42 having an actuator handle 44 formedintegrally therewith. After the round 14 has been initially installed inthe firing chamber of the gun 20, the rotatable locking component 16 isinserted into the barrel 18 on the end of the key 12 with the key bit 38engaged in the keyway 36.

[0034] Rotation of the key 12 clockwise causes the threaded extension 32to engage the correspondingly threaded bore 34 of the locking portion 16and creates a friction lock between the threads of the locking portion16 and the dummy round 14.

[0035] When removal of the locking component 16 is desired, the key canbe utilized to force the locking component 16 out of its intimateengagement with the dummy round 14 and permit normal use of the gun 20.

[0036] An alternative embodiment 60 of the lock is shown in FIGS. 3 and4, where identical reference numerals for identical parts of theembodiment of FIG. 1 are used, as including a dummy round 14 which hasO-ring anti-rotation means 62 mounted on an extremity thereof to preventrotation of the dummy round 14 in the chamber of a revolver when the key12 is utilized to lock the dummy round 14 by urging the tapered wall 64of the locking component into locking engagement with the wall of therevolver's forcing cone by bringing the corresponding tapers of thelocking component 68 and the wall of the revolver into intimate contactto establish frictional and shear locks.

[0037] The gun lock 60 may be further described as including a firstbody portion 86 threadedly coupled to a second body portion 88. Both thefirst body portion 86 and second body portion 88 are insertable, as aunit, into the firing chamber of the revolver. As noted above, actuationof the gun lock 60 includes rotating the second body portion 88 relativeto the first body portion 86 such that the second body portion 88 tolongitudinally extend outwardly due to the threaded engagement of thetwo body portions 86 and 88. The use of a reverse thread in thisconfiguration pennits the lock to withstand any attempt to defeat thelock with a drill, and results in a uniform clockwise locking action forany embodiment of the invention.

[0038] An additional embodiment 70 of the gun lock is shown in FIGS. 6-8and is specifically designed to be utilized in breaking guns, such asshotguns, rifles, revolvers and the like. The gun lock 70 includes anelongated sleeve 72 which is insertable in the barrel 74 of a gun of theaforementioned character. The sleeve 72 is provided with a flange 76which abuts the extremity of the barrel 74. The dummy round 78 is lockedin place by rotation of the locking component 82 by a key 12. When thelocking operation has been completed, the key 12 can be withdrawn toleave the sleeve 72 and the dummy round 78 in locked position.

[0039] Therefore, when the associated gun is broken, the dummy round 78cannot be withdrawn because it is frictionally locked by means of thelocking component 82 to the wall of the sleeve 72 and the flange 76prevents the dummy round from being withdrawn from the chamber.

[0040] It is also contemplated that the key 12 be provided with ademountable key bit 80 which permits the configuration and type of keyto be changed without the necessity for providing a new shank 82 andactuator 84.

[0041] As is apparent from FIGS. 6 through 8, various components of thegun lock 70 are rotatable relative to, and fimctionally independent ofthe other components. For example, the locking component 82 is rotatablerelative to the dummy round 78 so as to accomplish threaded engagementof the two components, at least until the mating threads are fullyengaged whereby a friction lock is effected between the lockingcomponent 82 and the dummy round 78 . Similarly, in order to disengagethe locking component 82 from the dummy round, a sufficient amount oftorque must be applied to the locking component 82 relative to the dummyround 78 (i.e., such as is provided by the key 12) in order to overcomethe friction lock created therebetween.

[0042] Additionally, as is more apparent from FIG. 6, the lockingcomponent 82 is insertable into, and rotatable relative to the elongatedsleeve 72. The relative rotatability of the locking component 82 withrespect to the elongated sleeve 72 allows the gun lock 70 to remainlocked once it is properly installed in the barrel 74 of a gun. Forexample, once the gun lock 70 is in the barrel 74 and the lockingcomponent 82 is threadedly engaged with the dummy round 78 (i.e., asshown in FIG. 8), rotation of the locking component 82 may only beeffected by use of the key 12. Thus, while one may attempt to disengagethe locking component 82 from the dummy round 78 by grabbing the flange76 and rotating the elongated sleeve 72, the elongated sleeve 72 willfreely rotate relative to and independent of the locking mechanism 82.Likewise, similar forces applied to the dummy round 78 will not permitdisengagement of the lock due to the independent rotation of thecomponents. In such situations the freely rotating elongated sleeve 82fails to impart the requisite torque to the locking mechanism 82,relative to the dummy round 78, as is necessary to overcome the frictionlock formed therebetween.

[0043] Similarly, if one was able to access the dummy round 78 androtate it within the chamber of the gun, disengagement of the lockingcomponent 82 from the dummy round would still not be accomplished due tolack of sufficient torque between the two components. Rotation of thedummy round 78 would simply cause rotation of the locking component 82by virtue of the friction lock formed therebetween. However, the lockingmechanism 82 would rotate freely with respect to the elongated sleeve 72again preventing the application of torque to the locking mechanism 82relative to the dummy round 28.

[0044] Thus, without use of the properly configured key 12, the abilityto apply sufficient torque to the locking component 82 relative to thedummy round 78 for disengagement thereof becomes very difficult if notimpossible.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a gun lock 70′ is shown whichincludes various features for enhancing the general usability of the gunlock 70′, including the gun lock's ability to prevent unauthorizeddisengagement. FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of the gun lock 70′ whileFIG. 10 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the gun lock 70′ in anassembled and engaged configuration. It is noted that the gun lock 70′may be used in substantially all types of guns, and is particularlyuseful in guns having barrel lengths of, for example, 3 inches orlonger.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 10, it is seen that the gun lock 70′ is similarto the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 through 8 having an elongated sleeve72′ and a locking component 82′ which is threadedly engagable with adummy round 78′. However, as is also apparent, the locking component 82′and the elongated sleeve 72′ are each formed of multiple components.

[0047] Referring to both FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, it is seen that the lockingcomponent 82′ includes a stud 90 having a first portion 90A, a secondportion 90B, and an integral flange 90C. In the embodiment shown, thefirst portion 90A is threaded while the second portion 90B isunthreaded. The stud is desirably formed of a material which allows forthe formation of the threads without significant fabricationdifficulties but which still exhibits considerable strength. Forexample, the stud 90 may be formed of hardened steel or stainless steel.

[0048] The threads of the first portion 90A are configured to mate withinternal threads 92 formed in the dummy round 78′. A deformable material92 may deposited at a location along the threads of the first portion90A to increase the friction between the stud 90 and the dummy round 78′during engagement of their respective threaded portions 90A and 92. Theincreased friction between the threads of the stud 90 and the dummyround 78′ increases the amount of torque that must be applied to thelocking mechanism 82′ relative to the dummy round for engagement and,more importantly, disengagement of the two components.

[0049] The deformable material 92 may include, for example, nylon, andmay be in the form of a button deposited on a small area of the threadedportion 90A as shown, or may be disposed over a larger area of thethreaded area to provide a greater amount of friction as may be desired.Alternatively, a small hole or cavity may be formed in the threadedportion 90A with the deformable material 92 being deposited therein suchthat at least a portion of the deformable material 92 protrudes from thehole so as to be engagable with the mating set of threads formed in thedummy round 78′

[0050] The locking mechanism 82′ further includes an extension rod 96having a bore or channel 98 formed longitudinally therethrough. Theextension rod is desirably formed of a high strength material such as,for example, aluminum or stainless steel. The size and configuration ofthe channel 98 and the size and configuration of the second portion 90Bof the stud 90 are designed such that the second portion 90B may bereceived by the channel 98 in secure and immobile fashion, therebyproviding an interference or press fit between the stud 90 and theextension rod 98. Alternatively, the stud 90 might be connected to theextension rod by other means such as, for example, by welding, brazing,pinning or by keying the stud 90 to the channel 98 and providing a setscrew through wall of the extension rod 98 into the channel 98 so as toprevent either rotational or linear movement of the stud 90 relative tothe extension rod 96.

[0051] The locking component 82′ further includes a second stud 100,referred to herein as a tamper proof stud, which is inserted into theopposing end of the channel 98 of the extension rod 96. The tamper proofstud 100 includes a keyed head 102 for receipt of a key whereby thesufficient torque may be applied to the locking component 82′. The keyedhead 102 may be configured as described above with reference to FIG. 5,or may include additional configurations as shall be set forth below.The tamper proof stud 100 is desirably formed of a material exhibitingsufficient strength to transfer the requisite torque applied thereto viaa key while also avoiding stripping or camming of the keyed head 102during actuation of the gun lock 70′. Exemplary materials may include ahardened alloy steel or stainless steel.

[0052] Upon assembly of the locking component 82′ (i.e., fitting stud 90and tamper proof stud 100 into opposing ends of the channel 98 formed inthe extension rod 96), the locking component 82′ becomes a substantiallyunitary member in the sense that a force imparted to the tamper proofstud 100 via keyed head will be transferred therefrom through theextension rod 96 and into stud 90. Thus, any motion, rotational orotherwise, experienced by a given member of the locking component 82′will translate into corresponding motion of the remaining members of thelocking component 82′.

[0053] The elongated sleeve 72′ may also be formed of multiplesubcomponents. For example, a plug 104 having a flanged end 106 and alongitudinal body portion 108 may be coupled with an outer sleeve member110. The outer sleeve member 110 includes a bore or channel 112longitudinally therethrough, including a portion 114 which has astepped, or reduced cross-sectional area, at one end thereof. Thechannel 112 is configured to receive the longitudinal body portion 108of the plug 104 in an interfering fashion. However, as with the otherinterference fits described herein, other means of coupling the plug 104with the outer sleeve member 110 maybe utilized.

[0054] The stepped portion 114 of the channel 112 is configured torotatably receive the tamper proof stud 100 with the keyed head 102being sized to abut the shoulder 116 formed by the stepped portion 114.Thus, once assembled, the tamper proof stud 100 allows relative rotationbetween the locking component 82′ and the elongated sleeve 72′, butprevents linear or longitudinal movement of the locking component 82′relative to the elongated sleeve 72′.

[0055] The outer sleeve member 110 may be formed of a high strengthmaterial such as, for example, aluminum. The plug 104 is desirablyformed of a material exhibiting a high degree of toughness such as forexample, hardened stainless steel. An exemplary plug 104 may be formedof 440C stainless steel which is case hardened to a minimum of 60 on theRockwell C scale.

[0056] Using a hardened material for the plug 104 helps to preventtampering such as an attempt by an unauthorized user to disable the gunlock 70′, for example, by use of a drill, a screwdriver, a chisel orother similar tools. While, other components may likewise be formed of ahardened material, the plug 104, and particularly the flange 106, is theonly portion of the gun lock 70′ which is externally exposed whenpositioned within a gun barrel and properly actuated into a lockedposition. Thus, it is more desirable to form the plug 104 of a hardenedmaterial than certain other components.

[0057] A bore or channel 118 is formed longitudinally within the plug104, extending through both the longitudinal body portion 108 and theflange 106. The channel 118 allows for access of a key (not shown inFIGS. 9 and 10) to pass through the elongated sleeve 72′ to accommodatecoupling of the key with the keyed head 102 of the locking component82′. The outer portion of the channel 118 adjacent the flange 106 mayinclude a tapered section 120 for facilitating easier insertion of a keyinto the channel 118. The channel 118 is desirably formed to have aminimized cross-sectional area thereby allowing the key to pass throughbut preventing other objects, such as for example a screw driver, frombeing inserted therein. Additionally, the channel 118 desirably exhibitsa length of 1.5 inches or greater to prevent access by a small diameterprecision screwdriver or a jeweler's screwdriver.

[0058] For example, the channel 118 may be formed with a diameter whichaccommodates passage of a {fraction (3/32)} inch (0.09375 inches) pinnedhex head key (or similar sized key having a different configuration). Byminimizing the cross-sectional area of the channel 118, tampering andunauthorized attempts to disable the gun lock 70′ are thereby reduced.

[0059] The gun lock 70′ may include additional components such as jamnuts 122A and 122B, a spacer or collar 124, friction reducing washers126 and 128, protective shrink tubing 130, and/or a protective ring orcollar 132.

[0060] The jam nuts 122A and 122B may be provided to accommodate alimited amount of adjustment regarding the overall length of the gunlock 70′. Specifically, the length of the gun lock 70′ may be adjustedfor use in a gun having a given barrel length by setting the depth ofthe threaded portion 90A of the stud 90 within the dummy round 78′,positioning a first jam nut 122A at a position on the threaded portion90A which corresponds to the selected depth, and then locking the firstjam nut 90A at the set position by abutting the second jam nut 122B withthe first jam nut 122A thereby locking both jam nuts 122A and 122B intothe set position.

[0061] One or more collars 124 may be positioned about the extension rod96, the elongated sleeve 110 or both to act as a spacer and a guide wheninstalling the gun lock 70′. The collar 124 is desirably formed of amaterial which is relatively soft in comparison to gun's barrel such as,for example, plastic. The collar 124 serves to prevent undue contact ofthe gun barrel with various components of the gun lock 70′ (i.e. stud90, extension rod 96, or outer sleeve 110) to prevent scraping orgouging of the gun's rifling during insertion and removal of the gunlock 70′.

[0062] A first friction reducing washer 126 may be positioned betweenthe extension rod 96 and the outer sleeve member 110. The frictionreducing washer may be formed, for example, of polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), commercially known as Teflon, and serves to reduce the transferof torque between the extension rod 96 and the outer sleeve member 110as they rotate relative to one another.

[0063] A second friction reducing washer 128 may be placed in thechannel 112 of the outer sleeve member 110 such that it is positionedbetween the shoulder 116 formed by the stepped portion 114 and the keyedhead 102 of the tamper proof stud 100. The friction reducing washer 128allows the tamper proof stud 100, and thus the locking component 82′, tomore freely rotate relative to the outer sleeve member 110 of theelongated sleeve 72′. For additional reduction in friction, the steppedportion 114 of the outer sleeve member 110 may also be coated with afriction reducing material such as PTFE.

[0064] The reduction of friction between the locking component 82′ andthe elongated sleeve 72′ further helps in reducing tampering andunauthorized disablement of the gun lock 70′. For example, when properlyinstalled in a gun barrel, one might attempt to disable the gun lock 70′by either pushing or pulling on the flange 106 of the elongated sleeve72′ while simultaneously rotating the elongated sleeve 72′ within thegun barrel. Such actions might be used in an attempt to transfer torquefrom the elongated sleeve 72′ to the locking mechanism 82′ andsubsequently disable the gun lock without a key. For example,simultaneously pushing and rotating the elongated sleeve 72′ mighttransfer torque from the outer sleeve member 110 to the extension rod 96if sufficient friction exists between the two members at their abuttingends. Similarly, simultaneously pulling and rotating the elongatedsleeve 72′ might transfer torque from the outer sleeve member 110 to thetamper proof stud 100 if sufficient friction exists between the shoulder116 formed by the stepped portion 114 and keyed head 102 of the tamperproof stud 100. Thus, disposing friction reducing materials at locationsof contact between the elongated sleeve 72′ and the locking component82′ serves to eliminate the transfer of torque therebetween.

[0065] Shrink tubing 130, such as a thin walled polyolefin material, maybe placed about the elongated sleeve 72; to cover the joint formedbetween the plug 104 and the outer sleeve member 110, to further preventan attempt at dismantling or disassembling the gun lock 70′

[0066] A protective ring 132 may be formed on an outer periphery of theplug 104 adjacent the flange 106. The protective ring 132 may be formedof a soft material such as plastic or PTFE to prevent damage of theriflings adjacent the discharge end of a gun's barrel. As will beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, riflings within a gunbarrel serve to impart a rotational motion to a bullet as it passesthrough the barrel, thereby improving the accuracy of the gun. Theriflings positioned at discharge tend to have the greatest effect on abullets accuracy and therefore must be protected to ensure the accuracyand operational integrity of the gun. The protective ring 132 helps toserve this purpose.

[0067] Referring particularly to FIG. 10, installation andimplementation the gun lock 70′ is readily described. The dummy round78′ is placed into the chamber of a gun. The locking component 82′ andelongated sleeve 72′, coupled to together as an operable unit, areinserted through the discharge end of the gun's barrel. The collar 124helps guide the locking component 82′ and elongated sleeve 72′ throughthe barrel of the gun until the threaded portion 90A of the stud 90mates with the internal threads 92 of the dummy round 78′. A key (notshown in FIG. 10) is inserted through the channel 118 of the plug 104until it operably engages with the keyed head 102 of the tamper proofstud 100. It is noted that, because of the configuration of the gun lock70′, the key does not come in contact with the barrel or the rifling ofthe gun. The locking component 82′ is rotated by actuation of the keysuch that the locking component 82′ threadedly engages the dummy round.The dummy round is rotationally held in place by rotational means, suchas engagement with the ejector clip of the gun, or by use of an 0-ringas has been described above herein.

[0068] As described above, the jam nuts 122A and 122B serves todetermine the engagement length of the threaded portion 90A.Alternatively, the threaded portion 90A may be designed with apredetermined engagement length such that jam nuts 122A and 122B are notrequired.

[0069] A friction lock is formed between the stud 90 and the dummy roundby virtue of the contact between the first jam nut 122A (or in theabsence ofjam nuts 122A and 122B, the integral flange 90C) and the frontsurface 134 of the dummy round 78′, as well as through contact of themating threads 90A and 92 including the deformable material 94 disposedtherebetween.

[0070] Upon removal of the key from the channel 118 in the elongatedsleeve 72′ the flange 106 remains exposed at the discharge end of thegun barrel. However, rotation of the elongated sleeve 72′ fails toimpart sufficient torque to the locking component 82′ as would benecessary to overcome the friction lock formed between the dummy round78′ and the locking component 82′. Additionally, the configuration ofthe channel 118 in the elongated sleeve 72′, i.e., the cross-sectionalarea and the length thereof, prevents the insertion of conventionaltools in an effort to engage the keyed head 102 of the tamper proofstud. In the case of an unconventional tool being used to access thekeyed head 102, the configuration of the keyed head serves to preventthe application of torque thereto as shall be discussed in greaterdetail below.

[0071] As described above in reference to alternative embodiments, theconfiguration of the dummy round 78′ and the flange 106 which abuts thedischarge end of a gun's barrel serve to prevent removal of the gun lock70′ by longitudinal extraction through either end of the gun's barrel.It is noted that, while the flange 106 is described as abutting thedischarge end of the gun's barrel, the gun lock 70′ does not need toclamp against either end of the barrel to effect locking thereof. Inother words, actuation of the gun lock does not require a compressiveforce to be imparted from the gun lock 70′ to the barrel of the gun.

[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, an exemplary keyed head 102is shown which may be employed in the present invention. FIG. 11A showsa plan view, and FIG. 11B shows a cross sectional view, of the keyedhead 102 having a polygonal recess 140 formed of three substantiallyequal arcuate sides 142. A radiused connection 144 may be formed at thepoint of interface between one arcuate side 142 and another. A studportion 146 is configured to fit into the channel 98 of extension rod 96as described above (FIG. 9). Alternatively, the stud portion 146 may bethreaded, such as for use in embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 through 4.

[0073] The polygonal recess 140 prevents tampering by providing ageometric configuration which is difficult to engage with conventionaltools such as, for example, a screw driver, the tip of a knife, or anawl. A polygonal recess 140 similar to that shown in FIGS. 11A and 11Bhas previously been employed in the heads of sheet metal screwsdistributed as TP3® screws available from Tamperproof Screw Co., Inc.located at 30 Laurel Street, Hicksville, N.Y. 11801. However, somefeatures shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B which are unique and have not beenincorporated into the TP3® screws.

[0074] For example, a chamfer 150 is formed as the side 152 of the keyedhead 102 transitions into the top 154 of the keyed head 102. The chamfer150 serves to cooperatively mate the keyed head 102 into a necked-downportion of a gun's barrel, commonly referred to as the forcing cone(which transitions from the firing chamber into the barrel) when, forexample, the keyed head 102 is employed in an embodiment for use in arevolver such as shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1 through 4.

[0075] An exemplary keyed head 102 for use with the embodiments of FIGS.1 through 4, and with a .357 caliber gun, may exhibit a diameter “D” of0.356 inches with a chamfer 150 formed at an angle β of approximately15° C. Additionally, the arcuate sides 142 may exhibit a radius of 0.162inches and the radiused connection 144 may exhibit a radius of 0.01inches. The depth of the polygonal recess 140 may exhibit a longitudinaldimension “X” of approximately 0.125 inches. Of course differentdimensions may be utilized, and different caliber guns may requireadjustment of some of the above parameters.

[0076] It is noted that other configurations of the keyed head 102 arealso contemplated. For example, a head similar in general configurationto that shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, but having specified relationshipsbetween radiused connections 144 and arcuate sides 142 is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 4,827,811 issued to Vickers, the entirety of which isincorporated by reference herein. Additionally, pinned torx heads,pinned phillips heads, spanner type recesses and other keyed tamperresistant or tamper proof type fasteners are included within the scopeof the invention.

[0077] Referring now to FIG. 12, a dummy round 200 is shown according toanother aspect of the invention. The dummy round 200 as shown isconfigured for use with breaking type guns, and particularly as a dummyround for a breaking type shotgun having an internal ejector mechanismwhich automatically ejects a shotgun shell upon breaking open the gun.However, various aspects of the dummy round 200 may be applicable todummy rounds and gun locks used in other types of guns.

[0078] The dummy round 200 includes plug member 202 coupled with a casemember 204. The case member 204 has a cavity 206 formed therein toaccommodate a piston 208 and a biasing member 210. The biasing member210 is positioned between the front wall of the case member 204 and thepiston 208 thereby biasing the piston 208 in a longitudinally inwarddirection. One or more key elements 212 may be provided about theshoulder 214 of the piston 208. The key elements 212 are positionedwithin a longitudinal slot 216 formed in the wall of the case member 204to allow longitudinal movement of the piston 208 while restrictingrotational movement of the piston relative to the case member 204. Thekey elements 212 may be formed on the shoulder 214 of the piston 208after insertion of the piston 208 into the cavity 206 of the case member204. For example, key element 212 may include a screw or machine typefastener which is screwed into the shoulder 214. Alternatively, keyelement 212 may be a member which is brazed or welded to the shoulder214.

[0079] The piston 208 has a set of internal threads 218 configured tomate with a locking component (such as the threaded portion 90A oflocking component 82′ shown in FIGS. 9 and 10). The biasing member 210and piston 208 thus combine to give a certain amount of play along thelongitudinal extent of a gun lock to prevent damage to the internalmechanism of the gun when broken open. Without such play, the internalejecting mechanism of a gun would apply a force to the dummy round,which is locked into the firing chamber, likely damaging and potentiallyrendering inoperable the internal ejector mechanism.

[0080] Thus, for example, with the dummy round 200 inserted into thefiring chamber of a breaking shotgun, a locking mechansim (for examplethe locking mechanism 82 or 82′ described above herein) may be coupledwith the piston 208 via the internal threads 218. With the dummy round200 locked into place, the breaking gun may be closed. Upon breaking thegun open the internal ejector mechanism will attempt to eject the dummyround 200 from the firing chamber by applying a force, for example, tothe plug member 202. The application of force to the plug member 202will cause the plug member 202 and case member 204 to be displaced tothe left (as viewed in FIG. 12) relative to the piston 208 therebyovercoming the force of the biasing member 210. The movement of the plugmember 202 and case member 204 relative to the piston 208 (and indeedrelative to the rest of the locking apparatus coupled therewith) allowsfor conventional actuation of the internal ejector mechanism of the gunwithout compromising the integrity of either the locking apparatus, orsubsequent damage to the internal ejector mechanism.

[0081] The dummy load 200 should be constructed so as to withstand asubstantial linear tensile force applied thereto. For example, the dummyround 200 desirably withstands a pull test of at least 225 lbs such thatthe dummy round 200 stays assembled and maintains its structuralintegrity.

[0082] Referring now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, an additional feature whichmay be incorporated with the gun locks of the present invention isshown. FIG. 13A shows a threaded stud 230 which is formed of a firststud portion 230A and a second stud portion 230B. Each stud portion 230Aand 230B includes a halved section 232A and 232B respectively. Thehalved sections 232A and 232B mate with one another so as to form a“whole” threaded stud 230. However, the halved sections 232A and 232Bare longitudinally slidable relative to each other such that the overall length of the threaded stud 230 may be adjusted. Upon positioning ofthe halved sections 230A and 230B relative to one another, a threadedcollar 234 may be positioned over the overlapping area of the halvedsections 232A and 232B to retain the relative positioning of the firstand second stud portions 230A and 230B. The threaded stud 230 may beused, for example, in place of stud 90 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 such thatthe overall length of the gun lock 70′ may be adjusted to accommodateguns having different barrel lengths.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 13B, an alternative design is shown foradjusting the overall length of a gun lock. A sleeve member 240 isslidably coupled with a stud member 242. A series of apertures 244 areformed through the wall 246 of the sleeve member 240. Additionally, aplurality of set points, or indentations 248, may be formed in the studmember 242 in a pattern corresponding to the apertures 244 formed in thesleeve member 240. The sleeve member 240 and stud member 242 may bepositionally fixed relative to one another by placing set screws 250 orother retention members in one or more aligned pairs of apertures 244and indentations 248.

[0084] As an example of implementing the embodiment shown in FIG. 13B,the sleeve member 250 may be representative of the extension rod 96shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, while the stud member may be representative ofstud 90, and particularly of the second portion 90B thereof. Suchimplementation would require that stud 90 be slidable relative to theextension rod 96 rather than fixed as described above.

[0085] Referring now to FIGS. 14A through 14C, a gun lock 300 is shownaccording to another embodiment of the present invention. The gun lock300 is integrated into a cylinder 302 of a revolver 304. As will beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the cylinder 302 of arevolver includes multiple holding chambers 306 for holding individualrounds of ammunition and sequentially positioning the rounds ofammunition for discharge by the revolver 304.

[0086] For example, a conventional cylinder might be configured with sixholding chambers (although other configurations are also available).However, according to the present invention, one of the locations whichwould conventionally accommodate a holding chamber 306 serves as anintegral locking component 308. Thus the cylinder 302 includes fiveholding chambers 306 and one locking component 308.

[0087] Referring specifically to FIG. 14B, a partial cross sectionalview of the gun lock 300, including the locking component 308, is shown.Instead of forming a through aperture sized and configured to serve asholding a chamber 306, a blind hole 310 (or alternatively a throughhole) may be formed and tapped so as to threadedly engage with thelocking component 308. When the revolver 304 is to be locked, thecylinder 302 is rotated such that the integral locking component isaligned with the barrel 312 of the revolver 304. A visual alignmentindicator 314, such as a notch formed in the cylinder 302, may be usedto assist in aligning the locking component 308 with the barrel 312.

[0088] Once the locking component 308 is aligned with the barrel 312, anactuating key 316 may be inserted into the barrel 312 to engage with akeyed head 318 and subsequently actuate the locking component 308. Thelocking component 308 includes a chamfer 320 or a tapered portion whichis sized and configured to mate with the forcing cone 322 of therevolver 304. Actuation of the locking component 308 occurs by rotationthereof relative to the cylinder 302. Rotation of the locking component308 causes it to longitudinally extend from the cylinder 302 until thechamfer 320 contacts the forcing cone 322 and establishes a friction andshear lock therebetween as shown in FIG. 14C. As with other embodimentsdescribed herein, the locking component 308 may be reverse threaded, ifso desired, such that clockwise rotation of the locking component 308causes the longitudinal extension thereof.

[0089] Disengagement of the locking component 308 entails imparting arotational force to the locking component 308 which is sufficient toovercome the friction lock between the contacting components, andsubsequently contracting the locking component 308 back within the blindbole 310. The locking component 308 may include a second chamfer 324 ortapered section which sized and configured to mate with a chamfer 326formed in the blind hole 310. A friction lock may be established betweenthese two chamfers 324 and 326 so as to retain the locking component inplace when not actuated as is shown in FIG. 14B.

[0090] It is noted that while the keyed head 318 is shown to include apolygonal recess such as has been described above, the keyed head 318may include other tamper proof or tamper resistant configurations.

[0091] While the invention may be susceptible to various modificationsand alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and have been described in detail herein.However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended tobe limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the inventionincludes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the followingappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for locking a gun comprising: a dummy round insertable into a firing chamber of the gun; a locking component insertable through a discharge end of a barrel of the gun and threadedly engagable with the dummy round, the locking component including a keyed head configured for engagement with an actuating tool; an elongated sleeve including a longitudinal channel formed therein, wherein the elongated sleeve is rotatably coupled with the locking component such that the keyed head is positioned within the longitudinal channel.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one friction reducing washer positioned between the locking component and the elongated sleeve.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a deformable material disposed between a set of threads associated with the locking component and a set of threads associated with the dummy round.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking component includes a mechanism for adjusting an overall length of the apparatus.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one collar formed about the locking component.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a flange formed on the end of the elongated sleeve configured for external abutment with an end of a barrel of the gun.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the elongated sleeve, including the flange, is formed of a case hardened material.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a protective material placed about a portion of the elongated sleeve.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the protective material is positioned on the elongated sleeve at a location which is intended to be adjacent a discharge end of a barrel of the gun.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the keyed head includes a hexagonal-pinned recess formed therein.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the keyed head includes a polygonal recess formed therein. 12, The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the polygonal recess includes three arcuate adjoining sides.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dummy round is configured to longitudinally expand upon exertion of a force by an internal ejector mechanism of the gun.
 14. An apparatus for locking a gun comprising: a first body portion; a second body portion threadedly engaged with the first body portion, the second body portion including a tapered surface configured for engagement with a forcing cone of the gun, the second body portion further including a keyed head configured to be engaged by and actuated by a mating key, wherein upon actuation by the mating key the second body portion extends longitudinally from the first body portion such that the tapered surface frictionally engages with the forcing cone of the gun.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the keyed head of the second body portion includes a polygonal recess formed therein.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the polygonal recess includes three arcuate sides forming a generally triangular shape.
 17. A method of locking a gun, the method comprising: placing a dummy round in a firing chamber of the gun; providing a locking component rotatably coupled with an elongated sleeve; inserting the locking component and elongated sleeve through a discharge end of a barrel of the gun; actuating the locking component by rotating the locking component relative to the elongated sleeve; and effecting a friction lock between the locking component and the dummy round.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein actuating the locking component includes inserting a key through the elongated sleeve, engaging the key with the locking component, and rotating the key to rotate the locking component relative to the elongated sleeve.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein effecting a friction lock between the locking component and the dummy round includes engaging a first set of threads associated with the locking component with a second set of threads associated with the dummy round.
 20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising disengaging the key from the locking component and removing the key from within the elongated sleeve. 